A Coastal Resources Manager with the Lake Huron Centre for Coastal Conservation says a view of the Lake Huron shoreline from the air can be a little disappointing.
Geoff Peach says the amount of tree cover has been reduced considerably over the last few years by development and agriculture to the point that we're losing a valuable tool in improving water quality and reducing erosion.
Peach explains woodlands filter our water in much the same way wetlands do. Trees are also often the only things holding bluffs in place, and while they can't prevent erosion, they can at least slow the process down.
Peach adds much of the woodland that provided a wind break along our highways has been converted to agriculture and that creates a safety issue during winter storms. Those windbreak help hold top soil on the land as well as keep blowing snow off the roads.
Peach advises property owners that have existing buildings close to the banks to plant native trees where possible to slow down the pace of erosion. He also suggests that those property owners be prepared for the day when they'll have to re-locate the buildings on their lots.
More information can be found on the Lake Huron Centre for Coastal Conservation web site.
